2/18 Recap: Cat keeps cashing; Knapp stays sharp

Dan Catenacci continued his recent surge Saturday with his 29th goal of the year as Owen Sound earned a 5-4 overtime win at Windsor. The speedy pivot, who broke the game's seal at 3:08 of the first period, has been on a tear with nine goals and 16 points in his last 10 games. Chris Marchese ('12) had a goal and an assist for the Spits. Winners of six straight, the Attack will continue their three-games-in-three-nights run through the Western Division on Sunday at Saginaw.

Connor Knapp was again sharp in the crease, stopping 28 of 29 shots as Miami earned the weekend sweep with a 4-1 win over Notre Dame. The 6'6 senior has racked up 10 wins in his last 12 starts to improve to 11-6 with a 1.65 GAA and .934 save percentage. The RedHawks will finish the CCHA regular season schedule next weekend with a home-and-home with Ohio State.

Colin Jacobs returned from a one-game absence to score his eighth goal of the year as Seattle got pummeled by Portland, 11-2. The 6'1 center scored on the wraparound at 17:25 of the third. On the very next shift, he gave the puck up at the blueline to allow the Winterhawks the chance to get their 11th of the game. The T-Birds host Spokane on Sunday.



Brad Eidsness made 23 saves as North Dakota played to 1-1 overtime tie with Michigan Tech. The weekend marked the first back-to-back WCHA starts since March of 2010 for Eidsness, who has held firm in limited duty this season with a 5-2-1 record, 1.92 goals against average, and .926 save percentage. The Sioux return to action next weekend at Denver.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc finished -1 as Rimouski dropped a 2-1 overtime decision at Cape Breton. With 10 games remaining on the regular season schedule, the 6'1 righty continues to lead all QMJHL defensemen with 62 points (24+38). He has zero goals in his last six games, and just 10 points since January 1st. The Oceanic will remain in Sydney for Sunday's afternoon rematch with the Eagles.

Justin Jokinen notched a secondary assist on the game-tying goal with just 2:04 to play as Minnesota State and Minnesota-Duluth skated to a 4-4 tie. The senior forward has four assists in his last six games while going without a goal in his last dozen. Of his 13 points (3+10) this season, zero have come on the power play. The Mavericks will take next weekend off before closing the WCHA schedule at North Dakota.

Gregg Sutch got into his fifth scrap of the year and Alex Lepkowski was +1 as Barrie downed Oshawa, 5-1. With the Colts holding a 3-0 lead late in the third period, the 6'2 Sutch tangled with 6'2 Josh Graves, getting the better of the Generals forward on the punchstat. The Colts travel to Oshawa on Monday.



Steven Shipley was held without a point as Niagara pitched a 3-1 shutout of Sault Ste. Marie. With 16 goals and 21 assists, the 6'3 center will need to average over a point-per-game in the final dozen games to equal his point output from last season. The Dogs will welcome the Greyhounds back to St. Catharines on Thursday.

Nathan Lieuwen allowed four goals on 24 shots as Kootenay lost to Regina, 4-2. Regina's Chandler Stephenson ('12) broke a 2-2 tie on the power play with 4:03 left before the Pats added another late mark in the waning seconds. Despite the less than sparkling performance, the 6'5 stopper remains atop the WHL leaderboard with a 2.32 goals against average. The ICE will travel to Brandon on Tuesday.

Kevin Sundher missed his third game with an upper body injury as the Wheat Kings defeated Prince Albert, 6-2. Brandon will ride a four-game winning streak into Tuesday's meeting with the ICE.

Drew MacKenzie finished -1 while going without a shot on goal for the first time in 16 games as Vermont lost to New Hampshire, 3-1. The Catamounts are back at it Friday when they host Boston University.

Brad Navin was unable to get a shot on net for the second straight night as Wisconsin downed Denver, 5-2. The freshman left wing has recorded just one assist in his last 12 games. The Badgers will be on the road again next weekend when they travel to Bemidji State.

Mark Adams was scratched as Providence and Northeastern played to a 2-2 tie. The weekend ends without a win or loss in both games for the Friars, who will ready themselves for Friday's tilt with Boston College.

Christian Isackson was scratched for the second straight game as Minnesota skated to a 4-1 win over Bemidji State. The Gophers will pay a visit to Nebraska-Omaha next weekend.

***

In AHL play, Phil Varone scored a shorthanded goal midway through the third period for the only Amerks offensive highlight in a 3-1 loss at Lake Erie. The tally, Varone's eighth of the year and 26th point in his last 30 games, elevates the rookie into the team's scoring lead.



The Rundown:
Brennan: 2 SOG, 2 PIM
Tropp: 6 SOG, 6 PIM
Foligno: 4 PIM
McNabb: 3 SOG, 5 PIM
Lagace: -1, 2 SOG, 2 PIM
Biega: 1 SOG, 2 PIM
Schiestel: +1
Crawford: -2, 2 SOG
Adam: -2, 2 SOG

The Amerks will close out their three-game weekend on Sunday when they welcome division rival Hamilton to the BCA.

***

In the ECHL, Shawn Szydlowski scored his first professional goal as Gwinnett took a 4-3 shootout win over Kalamazoo. On Friday, Szydlowski, Riley Boychuk, and Jonathan Parker all picked up assists in their first games since being re-assigned as the Gladiators defeated Chicago, 4-3.

2/17 Recap: Knapp red hot for RedHawks, MacKenzie strikes

Connor Knapp made 31 saves for the third shutout in his last eight starts and 11th of his career as #19 Miami blanked #13 Notre Dame, 3-0. The senior netminder moves to 10-6 on the year with a 1.69 goals against average (2nd in nation) and .931 save percentage. It's fair to expect Knapp to remain in net when the RedHawks go for the CCHA sweep on Saturday. In nine starts since the new year, he's posted a dominating 1.03 goals against average and red hot .957 save percentage.

Drew MacKenzie scored on a backhand at 1:38 of overtime as Vermont won at New Hampshire, 4-3. MacKenzie, who also recorded an assist, now has seven goals and 22 points this season while registering in 19 of 27 games. His .81 points per game ranks 11th in nation for NCAA defenders. The win snapped a seven-game losing streak for the Catamounts, who will look for their first sweep of the season Saturday in Durham.



Dan Catenacci scored his prospect-leading 28th goal of the year as Owen Sound throttled Plymouth, 5-1. The 5'10 center has 63 points with 13 games remaining in the schedule. The Attack, third in the Midwest Division and fifth in the Western conference, continue their road trip on Saturday in Windsor.

Cedrick Henley scored his 11th goal of the year and first in 10 games as Val-d'Or lost in a shootout to Drummondville, 4-3. The rugged affair featured a total of seven fights, including five in a span of seven seconds in the middle frame during which Henley dropped the mitts for his fourth major of the year. The Foreurs next visit Blainville-Boisbriand on Sunday.



Brad Eidsness made 19 saves as #14 North Dakota doubled Michigan Tech, 4-2. The victory was the 55th of Eidsness' career, tying for him 3rd on the Sioux's all-time list. Eidsness, who has won his last three starts, could get the nod again on Saturday with Aaron Dell listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed upper-body injury.

Steven Shipley notched an assist in Niagara's 5-2 win over Sudbury. The IceDogs return to action Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie.

Mark Pysyk (-1) earned a pair of minor penalties as Edmonton ended their road trip with a 6-2 loss Vancouver. The Oil Kings get the weekend off with their next game coming Monday at home against Medicine Hat.

Gregg Sutch (2 PIM) and Alex Lepkowski (+1) did not factor into the scoring as Barrie defeated Kitchener, 5-3. The Colts will welcome Oshawa to town on Saturday.

Joel Armia recorded two shots on goal as Assat was shut out by SaiPa, 2-0. The big wing will look to avoid his first three-game point drought since November on Saturday when Assat takes on Lukko.

Mark Adams was -1 as Providence and Northeastern played a 1-1 tie. The two clubs will close the Hockey East set on Saturday in Boston. You can see Adams (#4) on the play as the Huskies scored their only goal.



Justin Jokinen assisted on the game's first goal as Minnesota State lost to #4 Minnesota-Duluth, 4-2. The 6'3 senior has no goals in his last 11 games.

Brad Navin skated even as Wisconsin was shut out by #10 Denver, 3-0. The Badgers, who outshot the opponent for the third straight, for look for the split Saturday at Magness.

Nathan Lieuwen was given the night off as Kootenay got past Spokane, 4-3. The 6'5 netminder is expected to return to action on Saturday when the ICE host Regina.

Kevin Sundher missed his second game with an upper body injury as Brandon crushed Prince Albert, 6-1. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.

Colin Jacobs did not play as Seattle lost to Tri-City, 5-2. The T-Birds go right back at it on Saturday with an afternoon tilt at Portland.

Christian Isackson was a healthy scratch as #7 Minnesota shut down Bemidji State, 3-0.

***

In the AHL, T.J. Brennan (9th) scored the game winning goal as Rochester dominated Lake Erie, 6-2. Brayden McNabb struck late on the power play for his second goal of the season, while Marcus Foligno potted his 13th of the year. Luke Adam notched two assists for his first points as an Amerk.

Derek Whitmore paced the Amerks with a pair of goals, while Phil Varone added three assists. David Leggio made 20 saves for his 15th win of the year.

The Rundown:
Brennan: G, A, 3 SOG
Foligno: G, -1, 4 SOG
McNabb: G, 3 SOG
Adam: 2A, 4 SOG
Tropp: A, +1, 2 SOG, 5 PIM
Schiestel: A
Crawford: A, +1, 2 SOG
Biega: +1, 4 SOG

2/11 Recap: Catenacci grabs lead in Attack rout

Dan Catenacci scored his prospect-leading 27th goal of the year Saturday and added an assist as Owen Sound pitched a 12-0 blowout of Peterborough. The speedy 5'10 center has seven goals and 14 points in his last eight games. A season ago, he posted just six marks in 30 games after January 1st. Catenacci now has 21 multi-point games this season, while the 27 goals sets a new career high.



Nathan Lieuwen made 22 saves as Kootenay downed Saskatoon, 5-2. The 6'5 netminder has gone 3-1 thus far in February, allowing two goals or fewer in all four starts. He'll enter the stretch run with a WHL-leading 2.30 goals against average.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc extended his blueline points lead with a pair of assists in Rimouski's 5-4 shootout win over Blainville-Boisbriand. Leduc, who missed in his attempt as the Nics third shooter, has a goal and five assists in five February games to up his line to 24-38-62 through 50 games.



Cedrick Henley snapped an eight-game point drought with an assist as Val-d'Or bagged a 6-5 overtime win over Cape Breton. The 20-year old forward has 27 points (10+17) in 41 games.

Mark Pysyk tied a career-high with a +4 rating as Edmonton avenged their loss the night before with a 5-0 victory over Prince George. The steady captain has 10 points (2+8) in 16 games since returning from the World Junior Championship.

Colin Jacobs earned an assist as Seattle got smoked by Portland, 7-2. The 6'1 Texan has three goals and two assists in his last five games.

Steven Shipley did not factor into the scoring as Niagara blanked Barrie, 3-0. Alex Lepkowski finished -1 for the Colts, while Gregg Sutch collected two minor penalties including an unsportsmanlike after a spirited wrestling match with Luke Mercer late in the third.

Brad Eidsness entered the game in the 22nd minute, stopping all 14 shots he faced the rest of the way as North Dakota's comeback came up short in a 5-4 loss to Minnesota-Duluth. Eidsness, who came over the boards at 1:46 of the middle frame after Aaron Dell allowed five goals on 17 shots, used the relief work to improve to a 2.08 goals against average and .924 save percentage.

Justin Jokinen (-2) punched two shots goal on as Minnesota State earned their first WCHA sweep of the seaosn with a 2-1 win at Alaska-Anchorage. The senior has three goals and 11 points with four games left on the regular season schedule.

Mark Adams played even as Providence defeated Massachusetts, 5-4. Undrafted forward Mike Pereira, a player mentioned in the past two previews, scored a hat trick for the Minutemen.

Christian Isackson (-1) contributed two shots on goal as #2 Minnesota was defeated for the second straight night by #14 Denver, 4-3. The weekend split marked the first time that Isackson played in both games of a WCHA series.

Connor Knapp was given the night off as Miami earned the non-conference sweep with a 4-1 win over Alabama-Huntsville. The 6'6 senior currently leads the CCHA with a 1.81 goals against average (t3rd in nation).

***

T.J. Brennan scored in his first game back on the farm as Rochester was defeated by San Antonio, 4-1.

Trailing 1-0 in the second period, Brennan fired a laser from the point to tie the game. The mark was his eighth of the year and first AHL point since January 8th. Drew Schiestel and Paul Szczechura drew assists on the play.

Reigning AHL Most Outstanding Rookie Luke Adam, who along with Brennan was loaned to the AHL club earlier in the day, finished with two shots on goal and a pair of stick penalties. It was his first game in a Rochester uniform after scoring 29 goals and 62 points last season with Portland.

The Rundown:
Brennan: G, -1, 1 SOG
Schiestel: A, 1 SOG
McNabb: -1, 1 SOG
Tropp: -1, 1 SOG
Crawford: 1 SOG
Parker: 1 SOG
Foligno: -1
Adam: 2 SOG
Fienhage: even
Lagace: even

The Amerks are now off until Friday when they host division foe Lake Erie.

2/10 Recap: Kassian collects, Jacobs ramping up

In Friday AHL action, Zack Kassian scored a pair of goals while Corey Tropp (three assists) and Brayden McNabb (two assists) posted multi-point nights in Rochester's 9-4 blowout win over Texas. Kassian, whose effort included a short-handed tally, has now scored five goals on 12 shots in his last three games with Rochester.

Travis Turnbull (+5) earned the game's first star with two goals and an assist. Jonathan Parker, Paul Szczechura, Derek Whitmore, Mark Voakes, and Maxime Legault added singles for the Amerks.

All but four Amerks skaters (Lagace, Schiestel, Persson, Ryan) earned a point in the win. Drew MacIntyre made 23 stops to move to 8-11-0-2 on the year.

The Rundown:
Kassian: 2G, 6 SOG, +2
Parker: G, 3 SOG
Tropp: 3A, +4
McNabb: 2A, +2
Fienhage: 2A, +1
Crawford: A, +1
Foligno: A
Lagace: 2 SOG
Schiestel: +1
Persson: +2

The Amerks (22-18-6-3, 2nd in North Division) host San Antonio on Saturday.

***

Colin Jacobs recorded a goal and an assist as Seattle lost to Spokane, 5-4. While on a 5x3 in the middle period, the 6'1 center took a long pass and buried the breakaway backhander for his third goal in his last four games. The T-Birds will welcome another division rival to town on Saturday when they host Portland.

Kevin Sundher scored his 26th of the year and second in as many games as Brandon doubled Swift Current, 6-3. The win snaps the Wheat Kings six-game losing streak at home. Brandon will travel to Medicine Hat on Sunday.

Connor Knapp was forced to make just 11 saves as #12 Miami downed Alabama-Huntsville 3-1 in a non-conference affair. The 6'6 senior, who has now started eight of Miami's last 11 games, moves to 9-6 on the year. The two clubs will close the set Saturday in Oxford.



Justin Jokinen picked up an assist as Minnesota State defeated Alaska-Anchorage, 3-2. The senior wing now has a goal and three assists in three games this season versus the Seawolves. The teams will play it back on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc finished +1 as Rimouski edged Quebec, 2-1. Leduc continues to lead all QMJHL defenders in scoring with 60 points (24+36), nine more than his next closest competitor. The Oceanic will battle Blainville-Boisbriand on Saturday.

Cedrick Henley registered three hits as Val-d'Or was dealt a 3-1 defeat by Moncton. The 6'5 captain will look to snap an eight-game point drought on Saturday when the Foreurs host Cape Breton.

Alex Lepkowski skated even while Gregg Sutch got into his third fight of the year (and second in a week) as Barrie got past Sudbury, 4-3. Winners of five straight, the Colts will host the Niagara IceDogs (winners of four straight) on Saturday.



Drew MacKenzie was held to one shot on goal as Vermont was blown out by #5 Boston College, 6-1. The senior rearguard has gathered points in 18 of his last 24 games. The Catamounts are off until Friday when they visit New Hampshire.

Mark Adams logged a shot on goal as Providence earned a 4-3 win over #12 Maine. The friars move on to face Massachusetts on Saturday.

Christian Isackson saw action as the fourth line center, finishing -2 with a shot on goal as #2 Minnesota suffered a 5-3 loss at #14 Denver. The six-footer will look to dress in both ends of a WCHA set for the first time when the clubs rematch Saturday at Magness.

Mark Pysyk logged a season-low -3 rating as Edmonton dropped a 5-4 overtime decision at Prince George. The Oil Kings, ranked sixth in the latest CHL rankings, will look for the road split when the clubs play the rematch on Saturday.

Brad Eidsness served as backup as #16 North Dakota downed #3 Minnesota-Duluth, 3-1. The Sioux will likely keep the same lineup when they go for the sweep on Saturday.

Nathan Lieuwen was given the night off as Kootenay was shut out 2-0 by Red Deer. The ICE host Saskatoon on Saturday.

2/4 Recap: Cat scratch fever; Ship back on course

Dan Catenacci streaked in for the shorthanded game winner Saturday and added an assist as Owen Sound held on to defeat Belleville, 2-1. The speedy center is currently riding a five-game point streak that has seen him gather five goals and 11 points. Through 50 games in 2011-12, Catenacci has 25 goals and 59 points, good for 14th in the OHL scoring race.



Steven Shipley scored his 14th goal of the year and added an assist as Niagara erupted for four unanswered goals in the third period to overcome Brampton, 5-2. The 6'3 Shipley has struck in three straight for the IceDogs on the heels of a season-long eight-game drought.



Gregg Sutch notched his eighth goal of the season and a fighting major in Barrie's 5-0 shutout win over Sault Ste. Marie. The tally was the first since December 28th for the 6'2 grinder, while the fight was his first since getting the better of former teammate Stuart Percy back in October. Colts defender Alex Lepkowski missed his second straight game due to an unspecified reasons.



Colin Jacobs scored his fifth goal of the year as Seattle's losing losing streak hit five with a 3-1 loss to Kamloops. The 6'1 center, who missed the year's first 26 contests, has nine points this season including three goals in 15 games of the 2012 calendar year.




Nathan Lieuwen made 28 saves to earn the game's #3 star as Kootenay downed Spokane, 4-2. The 20-year old has stopped 56 of 59 shots over his last two starts to move his season record to 22-11-4-2 with a 2.31 goals against average (2nd in WHL) and .921 save percentage (2nd).

In NCAA action, Drew MacKenzie racked up two assists as Vermont was swept by Lowell, 6-4. The Connecticut native, who has new career highs with six goals and 14 assists, is tied for 10th in all of Hockey East with 11 power play points.

Connor Knapp made 28 stops but Miami was shut out by Michigan, 3-0. The 6'6 senior let in three goals for the first time since a 5-3 win at Ohio State back on 12/9. If his 1.86 goals against average (3rd in the country) wasn't enough, Knapp seems to have a firm grip on the #1 job down the stretch after having started seven of the RedHawks' last 10 games.

Elsewhere, Kevin Sundher finished +1 as Brandon dominated Swift Current, 7-3. Sundher has gone without a point in four straight games en route to accumulating just two goals and four assists in 13 appearances for the Wheat Kings. Despite the recent lapse, the six-footer remains tied for 8th in WHL scoring with 70 points (24+46).

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (-2) saw his four-game point streak come to an end in Rimouski's 2-1 loss to Drummondville. Leduc, who had recorded three goals and three assists during the four-game stretch, has a career-best 24 goals and 60 points through 48 games.

Cedrick Henley finished -1 as Val-d'Or lost to Gatineau, 6-3. The Foreurs have lost six straight games. The 6'5 captain has gone without a point in all six of those defeats while contributing just four shots on goal.

Brad Navin recorded a shot in goal as Wisconsin was swept by St. Cloud State, 2-1. The 6'3 freshman has just one assist in his last 10 games while landing back in bottom line minutes.

Justin Jokinen (-1) recorded two shots on goal as Minnesota State suffered a 7-3 loss to Michigan Tech. The 6'3 senior has a goal and two assists in his last 10 games.

Mark Adams was even as Providence lost a 3-2 overtime decision to New Hampshire. The sophomore rearguard has recorded a shot on goal in just three of 16 games this season.

1/28 Recap: Lepkowski lights lamp; Cat facing discipline

Alex Lepkowski scored the first game winning goal of his OHL career Saturday to lead Barrie to a 2-1 win over Ottawa. The 6'4 defender, who didn't score his first goal until his 100th game, now has six in his last 26. Gregg Sutch did not score but earned the game's #3 star for his all-around work.

Dan Catenacci recorded an assist before being ejected in the second period for a slew foot match penalty as Owen Sound lost to Guelph, 3-2. The infraction carries a one-game suspension, forcing Catenacci out of Sunday's game against Ottawa. The match penalty is the second of Catenacci's career after getting called for a slew foot on Erie's Brett Thompson a year ago.

Brad Eidsness made 20 saves in his fifth start of the year (and first of the year on a Saturday) to help North Dakota to a 4-2 win over Wisconsin. The victory was Eidsness' fourth of the year and 54th of his WCHA career. Brad Navin contributed one shot on goal in bottom line minutes for the Badgers.

Joel Armia saw his eight-game point streak come to an end as Assat dropped a 6-3 decision to the Pelicans. The 6'3 wing picked up four shots on goal and a roughing minor over 13:53 of work.

Kevin Sundher did not factor into the scoring as Brandon got past Red Deer, 3-2. The six-foot center has gone without a point 15 times this season, with six of those coming during his first 11 games in a Brandon uniform.

Nathan Lieuwen stopped 41 of 46 shots but Kootenay fell in overtime to Spokane, 5-4. The ICE netminder was especially busy in middle period when he faced 18 shots. After starting January with four wins in six outings, Lieuwen is winless in his last four starts.

Mark Pysyk finished -2 as Edmonton was defeated by Vancouver, 3-2.

Colin Jacobs finished -1 with a diving minor as Seattle got pounded by Portland, 8-3.

Drew MacKenzie notched an assist as Vermont was doubled by Northeastern, 4-2. The two-way defender has six goals and 17 points in 23 games.

Justin Jokinen registered one shot on goal as Minnesota State handled Bemidji State, 5-2.

Christian Isackson (3 SOG) was inserted into the lineup as a fourth-line center as Minnesota edged St. Cloud State, 3-2.

Connor Knapp was given the night off as Miami pitched a 6-0 shutout of Northern Michigan.

***

In the AHL, Zack Kassian (11th) and Derek Whitmore (17th) scored first period goals, and David Leggio provided the rest with 37 saves as Rochester held on to defeat Toronto, 2-1. The Amerks head into the All-Star break withb a 19-17-5-3 mark.

The Rundown:
Kassian: G, 2 SOG
Foligno: A, 3 SOG
Persson: A, 1 SOG
Parker: 2 SOG
Crawford: 2 SOG
Biega: 1 SOG
Schiestel: 1 SOG
Lagace: even
Fienhage: even
Szydlowski: even

1/27 Recap: Cat pounces for pair, Armia streak at eight

Dan Catenacci scored a pair of goals Friday, his 22nd and 23rd of the year, as Owen Sound dropped a 5-4 decision to Kitchener. The speedy center, who now has five two-goal games this season, is currently tied for 17th in OHL scoring with 53 points (23+30) in 47 games.



Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his 22nd goal of the year as Rimouski defeated Gatineau, 5-2. The goal, Leduc's second game winner of the year, snaps his six-game scoring drought. Crafty 2011 eligible Tomas Hyka notched a goal and an assist for the Olympiques.



Colin Jacobs picked up an assist and then scored the only goal in the shootout as Seattle edged Kelowna, 2-1. The shootout goal was Jacobs' third in three tries in the tiebreaker, nearly matching his regulation/OT output of four in 19 games since returning from injury. One of those goals was a penalty shot.



Gregg Sutch recorded two assists for his third multi-point game of the year as Barrie downed Brampton, 6-2. Alex Lepkowski, who was on the ice for a short-handed goal for and two goals against (one on a 5x3 PP), finished even for the Colts.

Mark Pysyk picked up an assist as Edmonton spanked Brandon, 6-2. Kevin Sundher finished the night at -2, giving him two goals and four assists in his first 10 games in Brandon uniform. Pysyk, meanwhile, has two goals and seven assists in 10 games since returning from the World Junior Championships.

Cedrick Henley finished -1 as Val-d'Or lost at home to Chicoutimi, 7-6. The 6'5 forward has 10 goals and 26 points in 35 games this season after having the bulk of his 2010-11 washed out due to wrist surgery.

Steven Shipley upped his goalless stretch to eight games as Niagara was blanked by Guelph, 3-0. The 6'3 Shipley, who has collected 29 points through 43 games, is amidst his longest stretch without a goal since his nine-game drought back in 2008-09 as an OHL rookie.

Nathan Lieuwen allowed five goals on 17 shots before getting pulled late in the second period as Kootenay lost in a shootout to Prince Albert, 7-6. The 20-year old netminder has allowed 12 goals in his last three outings - all ICE losses.

In NCAA, Drew MacKenzie saw his nine-game point streak come to an end as Vermont was thumped by Northeastern, 8-3. The 6'2 defender is currently the sixth leading scoring among Hockey East defensemen with 16 points (6+10) in 22 games.

Connor Knapp stopped 11 of 13 shots but Miami scored just once on 41 shots in a 2-1 loss to Northern Michigan. Knapp, who entered the game with six straight wins including a 0.60 goals against average and .977 save percentage in the month of January, moves to 8-5 on the year.

Brad Navin continued to bring a physical element to to the third line as Wisconsin lost to North Dakota, 5-3. Brad Eidsness served as backup for UND.

Justin Jokinen did not factor as Minnesota State lost to Bemidji State, 2-1. The 6'3 senior has three goals and nine points in 27 games.

Christian Isackson was scratched for the 20th time this season in Minnesota's 2-1 win over St. Cloud State. The freshman, who has bounced between center and wing, is +1 with 14 shots on goal in eight appearances.

***

In the AHL, the Amerks continued their recent offensive woes with a 4-0 defeat at Syracuse. The Amerks coughed up two goals in the game's first three minutes en route to being shut out for the first time all year.

The Rundown:
Kassian: -2, 6 SOG
Crawford: 5 SOG
Foligno: 2 SOG
Szydlowski: -2, 1 SOG
Schiestel: -1
Lagace: -1
Biega: -1, 4 SOG
Fienhage: 2 PIM
Persson: -2
Parker: -2

Drew MacIntyre stopped 29 shots to fall to 6-11-0-2 on the year. Losers of two straight, the Amerks will travel to Toronto on Saturday before heading to the AHL All-Star break.

***

On Thursday, Joel Armia continued to ride his renewed confidence with a pair of assists in Assat's 6-1 win over the Blues. The 6'3 wing is red hot with points in eight straight games, including all six since returning from the World Junior Championship. He has gathered nine goals and eight assists in his last 15 overall.



In other Thursday games, Shipley failed to get in on the fun as Niagara smoked Belleville, 6-0.

Henley registered two hits in his return from a two-game absence as Val-d'Or lost to Drummondville, 3-1.

Sutch (-2) and Lepkowski (-3) were stifled as Barrie dropped a 4-1 home ice decision to Plymouth.

1/21-22 Recap: Armia on tear; Knapp stellar

Joel Armia continued his recent surge Saturday, scoring a pair of goals to extend his point streak to seven games as Assat smoked KalPa, 8-3. Armia's offensive spike, marked by a variety of goal celebrations, has resulted in 13 points (7+6) in his last 10 games to up his season line to 36GP 12-12-24.

>

In NCAA play, Connor Knapp made 22 saves for his 10th career shutout as Miami earned the weekend sweep with a 4-0 win over Western Michigan. The 6'5 senior, who earned back-to-back starts for the second time in three weekends, is now tops among Sabres goaltending prospects with a 1.77 goals against average and .932 save percentage. Knapp also added an assist the old fashioned way en route to securing his grip on the RedHawks' #1 goaltending spot.



In the OHL, Dan Catenacci notched a goal and two assists as Owen Sound lost in overtime to London, 6-5. The goal, his 21st of the year, snaps a seven-game goal drought. It was his fifth three-point effort since joining the Attack.



Colin Jacobs scored a power play goal in Seattle's 5-4 overtime loss to Everett. The goal was Jacobs' fourth point in eight January games, and seventh in 18 games since returning from a lengthy shoulder injury.



Gregg Sutch earned an assist as Barrie doubled Guelph, 4-2. The game marked Sutch's return to the Colts lineup after missing eight games with an upper body injury. Alex Lepkowski finished -1 on the Barrie blueline.

Steven Shipley assisted on the first Niagara goal as the IceDogs lost to Sudbury, 4-3. The point was Shipley's first in five games.

Justin Jokinen (+2) contributed three shots on goal as Minnesota State defeated Nebraska-Omaha 5-4 in overtime. Jokinen was on the ice as the Mavericks' third line clicked for the OT winner.

Brad Navin finished even as Wisconsin edged Alaska-Anchorage, 3-2. The freshman third-liner has two goals and two assists through his first 23 NCAA games.

Brad Eidsness served as backup in North Dakota's 3-2 win over St. Cloud State.

Christian Isackson was a healthy scratch as Minnesota defeated Colorado College, 2-1.

Mark Adams was a scratch as Providence was embarrassed by Boston University, 8-0.

***

On Sunday, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc logged a -2 as Rimouski was shut out by Baie-Comeau. The offensive-minded defender has just two goals and two assists in 10 game since returning from the Christmas break.

Cedrick Henley did not play for the second straight game as Val-d'Or was stomped by Rouyn-Noranda, 9-3.

Jacobs was kept off the scoresheet as Seattle was nipped by Vancouver, 3-2.

Shipley finished +2 with an assist in Niagara's 9-0 blowout of Peterborough.

Lepkowski (-1) and Sutch (2PIM) did not factor in Barrie's 3-0 loss to Oshawa.

1/20 Recap: A first for Pysyk as Oil Kings stay hot

Mark Pysyk recorded the first two-goal game of his WHL career Friday to lead Edmonton to a 6-1 win over Swift Current. The OKs captain, who also added an assist for his second three-point night of the year, now has four goals and 14 points in 12 games since returning from injury on 11/19. The Oil Kings, ranked #1 in the WHL's Western Conference with 67 points, are 7-2-0-1 in their last 10 games.

In NCAA play, Drew MacKenzie extended his point streak to nine games with a third period assist as Vermont lost to Massachusetts, 4-3. The senior defenseman, who also added six shots on goal, now has six goals and 16 points in 21 games. His nine-game streak is the most for a Sabres defensive prospect since Brayden McNabb's 11-gamer a season ago.

Connor Knapp made 26 saves for his fifth consecutive victory as Miami downed Western Michigan, 3-1. Knapp has stopped 101 of 104 shots faced in the month of January, dropping his season goals against average to 1.94 through 11 games heading into Saturday's rematch. With Knapp hot, perhaps coach Enrico Blasi will take corrective action from last weekend when Knapp's Friday win was washed out by a Cody Reichard loss on Saturday.

Kevin Sundher posted an assist as Brandon lost to Saskatoon, 3-2. The six-foot center carried the puck from the right corner and set-up a Mark Stone one-timer from the left circle to even the score 1-1 just 15-seconds after the Blades first struck. Sundher has four assists in six games as a Wheat King, and zero goals in nine January outings - tying the longest goalless stretch of his 261-game WHL career.

Elsewhere, Brad Eidsness made 27 saves in his first start since December 2nd as North Dakota lost to St. Cloud State, 3-1. The senior held firm with 15 stops in the first period before allowing two goals in the middle frame. An empty netter closed things out, giving UND their 12th straight Friday night loss when visiting St. Cloud.

Nathan Lieuwen made 30 saves as Kootenay lost in overtime to Moose Jaw, 6-5. The six goals against is the most allowed by Lieuwen this season. He allowed six on three occasions in 2010-11. The ICE are tied with Medicine Hat for #3 in the Eastern Conference with 58 points.

Colin Jacobs notched an assist as Seattle lost to Kamloops. 5-3. Jacobs helped get the T-Birds on the board when he found Chance Lund in the slot to cut the Blazers lead to 3-1 late in the opening period.

Brad Navin led all Badger forwards with four shots on goal as Wisconsin pitched a 4-0 shut out of Alaska-Anchorage. The freshman has continued to build momentum on the team's third line despite going without a point in five January games.

Steven Shipley finished -1 in Niagara's 3-2 win over Erie. The 6'3 forward has gone without a point in four straight games.

Dan Catenacci did not score as Owen Sound was shut out by London, 3-0. The 5'10 speedster has zero goals in seven January games.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc punched three shots on goal as Rimouski defeated Chicoutimi, 3-1. The mobile righty has one goal and one assist in six January contests.

Christian Isackson skated even as Minnesota lost to Colorado College, 2-1. The freshman, who has floated between center and wing during his first eight NCAA contests, should see more time moving forward with Nick Larson out over a month with a broken wrist.

Justin Jokinen contributed three shots on goal as Minnesota State dropped a 2-1 decision to Nebraska-Omaha. In 25 games, the 6'3 senior has three goals and nine points. He posted nine goals and 17 points in 38 games as a junior.

Mark Adams was -2 as Providence got throttled by Boston University, 6-1. The sophomore defender has an assist and a -7 rating through 13 games.

Cedrick Henley sat out of Val d'Or's 3-2 overtime win over Rouyn-Noranda.